Marcella Hazan’s Bolognese sauce recipe is authentic as can be and is, according to many we’ve heard of the absolute best Bolognese sauce recipe ever. It’s also easy and impressive.
What's the difference between Bolognese and spaghetti sauce?
In essence, Bolognese sauce is spaghetti sauce. Though it’s no ordinary meat sauce. It’s a long, slowly simmered sauce that’s richer and creamier than your everyday marinara due to the inclusion of milk. It also is less predominated by tomatoes than your typical marinara. It’s named for its city of origin, Bologna.
☞ READ THE ARTICLE: IN DEFENSE OF GRANDMOTHER COOKING
Marcella Hazan's Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
Directions
In a heavy 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the oil and 6 tablespoons butter until the butter melts and stops foaming. Toss in the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Toss in the celery and carrot and cook, stirring to coat them with the oil and butter, for 2 minutes.
Add the chuck and pork, a very healthy pinch of salt, and a goodly amount of pepper. Crumble the meat with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meats have lost their raw red color.
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the milk and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the liquid has completely evaporated, about 1 hour.
Stir in the nutmeg. Pour in the wine and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until it’s evaporated, about 1 1/4 hours more.
Add the tomato purée or crushed tomatoes and stir well. When the tomato puree begins to bubble, turn down the heat so that the sauce cooks at the laziest of simmers with just an intermittent bubble breaking the surface.
Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours or more, stirring from time to time. While the sauce is burbling away, there’s a chance that it’ll start drying out. To keep the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot and scorching, add 1/2 cup water if necessary, just know that it’s crucial that by the time the sauce has finished simmering, the water should be completely evaporated, and the fat should separate from the sauce.
Take a spoonful—or two—of sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the hot pasta and toss with the sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side. Originally published January 31, 2012.
What You Need To Know About Making The Most Classic Italian Bolognese
Following are some techniques and tricks to ensure the most classic Italian Bolognese:
The more marbled the meat, the sweeter the ragu. (The most desirable cut of meat is the neck portion of the chuck. You may have to special order it from your butcher.)
It’s important to salt the meat as soon as it hits the pan. This draws out the juices and imparts flavor to the Bolognese.
Use a heavy pot that will retain heat. I use my Le Creuset 5-quart Dutch oven. Avoid using cast-iron, as the acid can interact with the metal and turn the sauce a blech color.
Recipe Testers' Reviews
This is the perfect recipe to make if you're stuck in the house doing chores and can’t leave. A little prep work and a little stir every now and then gives you a wonderful smell throughout your house and a nice, thick sauce for your pasta. I love that there isn’t a strong tomato taste to this sauce, unlike most commercial jar sauces. This is pure, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
All you need is some warm bread and you have a meal. The next time I make it I'll probably omit the oil, as I felt there was a little too much oil floating on top when it was ready to serve.
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There is no such thing as Spaghetti Bolognese, at least not according to the mayor of Bologna.
Michi, apparently, the mayor of Bologna never talked to the Empress of Italian cuisine!
Do you think I could substitute half and half for the whole milk? That’s what I have sitting in my fridge right now.
You could swap half and half for the milk, Melanie. It will add extra richness to the dish, which is never a bad thing, but if you don’t want the extra fat, you could combine the half and half with some regular milk (if available) or water to get it closer to a whole milk consistency.
Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this, Ellen. Let it cool completely then transfer to airtight freezer containers or freezer bags. It should freeze well for up to 3 months.
Thank you. I’ll give it a go.
You’re welcome, Ellen. Do let us know how it goes.
I haven’t made the sauce yet, but I will! I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your audio segment. It brought back memories of my Vovo (that’s what we called her), and our attempts to communicate with each other. I was young and, sadly, didn’t speak Portuguese. But she communicated with me with her smiles, hugs and cheek pinches. Your time with your grandmother was so special, David. Thanks for sharing a treasured memory. And the recipe!
Ann-Marie, you are more than welcome. I just listened to the auto again–it’s been quite a while since I had. It brought back a lot of memories for me, too! Wonderful warm memories. I hope you enjoy the recipe when you make it!
Instead of whole milk, what are some milk alternatives you would recommend? Would coconut milk work? Thanks!
Nina, we’ve never tried anything other than milk. If you try coconut milk, let us know how it turns out.